San Diego First United Methodist Church Newsletter – Open Hearts-Open Minds-Open
Doors – Wednesday, 27 November 2013 “Adjusting the Contrast"
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Adjusting the Contrast
With Thanksgiving upon us and Christmas around
the corner, we are once again in the midst of the cultural holiday season. In
the weeks leading up to Christmas there will be a frenzy of shopping,
engagements, and other events that will all culminate on December 25. There
will be much to do and even much to eat prior to that date! Each year we engage
in a similar routine, with the Christians seemingly having no difference from
the rest of the culture. We will likely engage in the same preparation.
Advent is our season of preparation for
Christmas in the Christian Community. The Eastern Orthodox call Advent a
"Little Lent." Like the season prior to Easter, Advent calls us to
introspection and even repentance. (You will notice that the clergy will vest
in black during worship in observance of this "little lent.") Advent
is not so much a season for celebration as it is a season for us to examine how
we are embodying the virtues of hope, peace, joy and love. This year, First
Church will be observing Advent through a series of messages called "Be."
Each week we will reflect and make a commitment to "incarnate" these
four special virtues in our own lives. Our goal is to prepare for Christmas a
little differently than the rest of the world around us.
Sometimes our very best witness for
Christ can be done simply by living a life that contrast with the norm of our
day. May these coming four weeks be a time to adjust your contrast to the
hurried and busy world around us. Let us together "be" different this
year.
Craig +
WORSHIP
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013
NO VESPER COMMUNION THIS WEDNESDAY, NOV.
27 -- Join us for the 33rd Annual Thanksgiving Eve Interfaith Service with
Congregation Beth Israel ath 7:30 PM.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2013
Text to read: Isaiah 2: Climb God’s Mountain 1-5 The Message Isaiah got regarding Judah and
Jerusalem:
There’s a day coming
when the mountain of God’s House
Will be The Mountain—
solid, towering over all mountains.
All nations will river toward it,
people from all over set out for it.
They’ll say, “Come,
let’s climb God’s Mountain,
go to the House of the God of Jacob.
He’ll show us the way he works
so we can live the way we’re made.”
Zion’s the source of the revelation.
God’s Message comes from Jerusalem.
He’ll settle things fairly between
nations.
He’ll make things right between many peoples.
They’ll turn their swords into shovels,
their spears into hoes.
No more will nation fight nation;
they won’t play war anymore.
Come, family of Jacob,
let’s live in the light of God.(The Message)
John Wesley’s Notes-Commentary for Isaiah
2:1-5
II A prophecy of Christ's kingdom, and
the calling of the Gentiles, ver. 1-5. And rejection of the Jews for their
idolatry and pride, ver. 6-9. The great majesty and power of God, and his
terrors on the wicked; with an exhortation to fear God, and not to trust in
man, ver. 10-22.
Verse 1. The word - Or, the matter or
thing, as this Hebrew word commonly signifies; the prophecy or vision.
Verse 2. In the last days - In the times
of the Messiah. For Christ's institutions were to continue to the end of the
world. The mountain - The temple of the Lord which is upon mount Moriah; which
yet is not to be understood literally of that material temple, but mystically
of the church of God; as appears from the flowing of all nations to it, which
was not to that temple, nor indeed was fulfilled 'till that temple was
destroyed. Exalted - Shall be placed and settled in a most conspicuous and
glorious manner, being advanced above all other churches and kingdoms.
Verse 3. The law - The new law, the
doctrine of the gospel, which is frequently called a law, because it hath the
nature and power of a law, obliging us no less to the belief and practice of
it, than the old law did.
Verse 4. He - Christ shall set up his
authority among all nations, not only giving laws to them, but doing what no
other can do, convincing their consciences, changing their hearts, and ordering
their lives. Rebuke - By his word and Spirit, convincing the world of sin; and
by his judgments upon his implacable enemies, which obstruct the propagation of
the gospel.
Verse 5. The light - Take heed that you
do not reject that light which is so clear that even the blind Gentiles will
discern it.
Advent 1: Be Hope
Daily Devotional
TRADITIONAL | 8 ~ 9:30 ~ 11 | Sanctuary |
Rev. Craig Brown | Communion
Prayer ministers will be available to
pray with you at the end of each service. Come forward to the altar railing and
lift up your joys and concerns.
NON-TRADITIONAL
Water's Edge | 9:30 | The Cove, United
Methodist Ctr | Rev. Richard Smith | Band | Communion
Rachel House Sandwich Ministry this
Sunday in the Cove
Take an active part in First Church local
mission work during worship -- we'll make lunches for the women and children at
Rachel House, a home for abused women and children in San Diego. Pastor Richard
Smith will lead worship and communion during this special service. All ages are
welcome!
CHILDREN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL | 9:20 | Meeting
in Trotter Chapel at 9:20, children are escorted to their Sunday School
classrooms. Pick-up is in the amphitheater at 10:30.
Read Pastor Jessica's weekly message
Message from Pastor Jessica
November, for many, is a time in which to
practice ‘days of gratitude,’ lifting up the joys of our hearts, and
celebrating them with God and with friends. Thanksgiving is a reminder to us
that giving thanks nourishes our souls and makes our hearts more attentive to
loving as Christ loves. So I want to offer thanks today, lifting up one joy in
particular. But before I do, I want to invite you to pause a moment and
consider: what five people/events/things are you most thankful for today?
The Children’s Ministry ended their
canned food drive yesterday, collecting over 300 items. What an exciting
contribution to the many food ministry initiatives going on at FUMCSD this
month! I give thanks to God for you - the children and families of our church,
who give so willingly and generously. I admire the spiritual gifts of the
children who use their allowance to buy and donate cans for the canned food
drive, and of the parents/grandparents who teach their children the importance
of generosity and service. It has been a beautiful and inspiring thing, in
these weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, to see children bearing bags of cans,
place them in the donation boxes, and celebrate with their friends as the boxes
grow more and more full. From the 3 year-old proudly offering a can of
vegetables, to the fifth grader excited enough to bring 60, the desire to care
for others has been so wonderful to witness.
“Let them thank the Lord for his
steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind. For he satisfies the
thirsty, and the hungry he fills with good things.”(Psalm 107:8-9).
As you celebrate the goodness of God this
week, may you be filled with the love of God, knowing that it embraces you and
the whole world.
Blessings,
Pastor Jessica
WEDNESDAY!
M O R N I N G
10:30 AM - NO PASTOR'S BIBLE STUDY TODAY,
NOV. 27
Pastor's Bible Study resumes
Dec. 4 in Linder Lounge
Vespers
E V E N I N G
5:15 PM - Vespers Sanctuary | Music for
meditation | Communion
NO VESPERS TONIGHT, WEDNESDAY, NOV. 27
Come to the 33rd Annual Thanksgiving Eve Interfaith Service
with Congregation Beth Israel
at 7:30 PM. Reception follows.
6 PM - Dinner ($6) Linder Hall | RSVP to
the office 619-297-4366 by Mon.
NO DINNER TONIGHT, WEDNESDAY,
NOV. 27.
6:45 PM - NO PASTOR'S BIBLE STUDY
TONIGHT, NOV. 27
Pastor's Bible Study resumes
Dec. 4 in Linder Hall
MUSIC
Advent Choral Concert
Handel's Messiah
Sunday, Dec. 8 & Monday, Dec. 9 | 7
PM | Sanctuary
Saturday, Dec. 7 | 2 PM | Sanctuary |
Dress rehearsal
The Cultural Events Committee at First
Church proudly presents Messiah on a grand scale as we conclude our celebration
of the Music Series' 40th anniversary year with our church's annual Advent
Choral Concert. The 180-voice combined Chancel Choir and Masterwork Chorale,
Vocal Quartet, members and friends of the San Diego Symphony, Jeff Thayer,
concertmaster, and Robert Plimpton, organist, all under the direction of
Stanley M. Wicks. Free-will offering. Child care is available by RSVP to the
church office: 619-297-4366. Learn more...
Pointsettia
Afternoon Christmas Concert and Carol
Sing
with Bob Plimpton and Michael Morgan
Wednesday, Dec. 11 | 1 PM | Sanctuary |
Sponsored by Active Adults
"Hallelujah to the Newborn
King" -- Come enjoy a delightful mix of Christmas spirituals, favorite
Christmas solos (both vocal and organ), and spirited carol singing by all.
First Church organist, Bob Plimpton teams up with Michael Morgan, First Church
member and well-known singer and interpreter of African-American spirituals.
Michael is the choir director of Christ Episcopal Church in Coronado and
director of instrumental music at Warren Walker Middle School.
All are welcome to attend - congregation
and friends. Enjoy lunch at 12 PM in Linder Hall prior to the concert. Lunch
reservation deadline is 12 PM, Monday December 9 -- call 619-297-4366 to
reserve.
Carol Sing
Christmas Carol Sing-along - Something
Old, Something New
with Stan Wicks
Wednesday, Dec. 11 | 6:45 PM | Linder
Hall
Come, learn about and sing carols that
have been handed down to us from the earliest European and American traditions
as well as those composed in recent years. Stay afterwards for Christmas
goodies. Childcare is available by RSVP to the church office: 619-297-4366
LOAVES & FISHES
Bagged Groceries
Thank you from the Loaves & Fishes
Food Ministry
The Food Ministry would like to express
the deepest gratitude to our congregation; Sunday School children, and Choir
members, for helping us surpass our goal of making 150-plus Thanksgiving
baskets. Thanks to your generosity we were able to distribute the fixin's for
approximately 445 complete Thanksgiving dinners! The food was distributed at
Wesley United Methodist Church on Sunday, November 24. There were many happy
and grateful faces leaving the area that afternoon.
Many of our church members enjoyed
sharing a meal and fellowship with approximately 200 guests at our Neighborhood
Family Meal on Monday, November 25 at the Normal Heights United Methodist
Church. On Monday, December 16, we will share a Christmas Dinner as well and
look forward to our youth hosting a cookie decorating table as well as a good
old fashion Christmas sing-a-long.
Read more...
Message from Brenda Blake
Director Church and Community Work
The Social Action & Justice Committee
invites members of our congregation to join us in two upcoming community events
in December and January.
Annual Project Homeless Connect -
December 4 A day-long resource fair for
homeless individuals and families at Golden Hall adjacent to the Civic
Administration Building in downtown San Diego, Donations of hygiene items, new
socks, used clothing, and hats are also needed. To volunteer, visit the San
Diego Housing Commission website at www.sdhc.org .Donation items can be dropped
off at Golden Hall the afternoon of December 3.
Annual Point in Time Count - January 24
This event counts the visible unsheltered
homeless from 4 - 7 AM. To volunteer,
visit the RTFH website at www.rthsd.org or email COUNTSD@rtfhsd.org
local MISSIONS
Alternative Christmas Fair
Give gifts that can change and brighten
the world!
ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS GIFT
FAIR
Sundays, Dec. 1 & 8 | 9-12:30 PM |
Linder Hall
Instead of giving more stuff to friends
and family, consider giving meaningful gifts that can change someone's life and
demonstrate God's love. Make a donation to any of a variety of important and
vibrant mission projects in our community and around the world. You choose the
projects you want to support, "shop" by making a donation, and get a
card to give as a gift to someone. Our online store opens Black Friday, Nov.
29!
Recent mission trips to New York and
Mexicali
During the month of October, our church
was involved in two mission work trips. Four people from our church joined a
district led team and went to New York to offer construction assistance to
those affected by Super Storm Sandy.
A team of ten, led by our church,
including people from Camarillo, Descanso, and San Diegito United Methodist
churches, went to Mexicali, Mexico to repair a water and earthquake damaged
ceiling at a Methodist parsonage. To learn more about these trips, contact Rev.
Jessica Strysko and take a look at the
photos from the Mexicali mission trip...
STUDENT MINISTRIES
Seeking Youth Grades 7-12, and
College-age Students for Angel Duty
Participate in the beauty of Christmas
Eve at First Church by being an angel that carries the light of Christ into the
congregation, lighting their candles. Youth in grades 7-12 are needed for 7 and
9 PM worship, and college-age students for the 11 PM service. There will be a
practice on December 17, 4:30-5:30 and December 22, 12:15-1 PM. Contact
Charlotte Watson or Kayleigh Neel to volunteer or for more information.
3rd Annual Family Christmas Tea
Saturday, December 14 | 12-2 PM | Linder
Hall 2 | $5 / Family
The United Methodist Women are again
sponsoring this festive lunch and tea served by dads, grandfathers, brothers,
uncles! The tickets cost includes tea, sandwiches, and dessert. There will be
music, singing, and the making of gingerbread houses for the children while
adults have a fun quiz. Plan to come to this wonderful Christmas event.
Purchase tickets here ...
THANKSGIVING
Thanksgiving Eve Worship
33rd Annual Thanksgiving Interfaith
Service with Congregation Beth Israel
Wednesday, Nov. 27 | 7:30 PM |
Sanctuary
Senior Rabbi Michael Berk will deliver
the Thanksgiving message, and the Temple Choir and our Chancel Choir will
participate. A reception follows the service in Linder Hall. Your help is
appreciated to provide snacks. Sign-up sheet will be available in the church
office and on the patio (11/24). We will again partner with Beth Israel in a
food drive to benefit Mama's Kitchen. Collection bins will be available in
Linder Hall and in the lower foyer that evening (11/27). Learn more...
NEW CLASSES
Annual Advent (one-day) Retreat - Theme:
Let it be.
Saturday, Nov. 30 | 8:30 AM (check-in) 9
AM to 3 PM | Linder Lounge
An exploration through contemplative
prayer, reflection and open conversation of biblical traditions during Advent.
Learn to let go of the unrealistic expectations of commercial Christmas and
learn to ponder the season like Mary, the mother of Jesus. Goodies available at
arrival and a modest lunch is provided. No cost. Free-will offering. RSVP
online. The retreat is lead by Rev. Richard Smith, psychologist and poet Bill
Stephenson, and Chris Hagen, San Diego Centering Prayer.
Telling Your Story - Small Group
Experience
Wednesdays, Dec. 4 to 18|6:45 - 8 PM |
Linder Lounge
Jesus, God-with-us. As we prepare for
Christmas come share your experiences. On the first 3 Wednesdays of December
join together to share, pray and listen to eachother's story. Dinner at 6 PM
($6) in Linder Lounge followed by small group time at 6:45 to 8 PM.
RSVP for class and dinner...
MEMBERSHIP
Explore
Explore First Church
Sunday, Dec. 8 | 12:15 PM | Linder Hall 2
Would you like to explore Christianity,
Methodism and First Church? You are invited to gather for a meal and time with
the pastors and staff. It will be a fun time to break bread, make some new
friends and explore membership.
New members will be received on Sunday,
December 15, 11 AM.
CHRISTMAS
Christmas on the Plaza
Sunday, Dec. 22 | 3 PM | Lower plaza
Come join in Las Posadas following Mary
and Joseph as they arrive at Bethlehem looking for room in the Inn. Have some
refreshments and spend time with the animals of the living nativity. Robe in
costumes and have your picture taken with the Holy Family. Follow them into
worship at 4 PM. Sing Christmas carols with a praise band and participate in a
beautiful candlelighting service. A wonderful way for the community to come together.
All Christmas Worship at First Church
Longest Night Vespers | Wednesday, Dec.
18 | 5:30 PM | Sanctuary
Christmas on the Plaza | Sunday, Dec. 22
| 3 PM | Lower Plaza
Family Candlelight Worship | Sunday, Dec.
22 | 4:15 PM | Sanctuary
Christmas Eve Services | Tuesday, Dec. 24
| 4:30, 7, 9 & 11 PM | Sanctuary
Christmas Day Worship | Wednesday, Dec.
25 | 11 AM | Sanctuary
NOTICES
UMCOR Typhoon Haiyan Donation Button
Donate here ...
Sponsor a Prayer Quilt for someone in
need of prayer -- what ever the reason. Submit a request
or call Cheryl Johnson at 619-275-1578.
Friday Night Singles
(50+ or -) meets every Friday at
6 PM for a meal followed by various
activities.
Email Karen Maczka or call 619-263-3743.
Our Mission Outreach Thrift Store is
accepting donations this Sunday, Nov. 3. Items may be left at the Thrift Store
tables on the patio near the entrance to Linder Hall or on the plaza. Donation
revenue supports local missions.The storefront is located at 3186 Adams Avenue.
Memorial Garden representatives are
available 1st Sunday of the month, from 9-9:30 and 10:30-11 AM in the Garden to
provide information for niches, plaques, services, inurnments, engraving and
costs. Meetings can also be arranged by appointment at 619-297-4366. Visit the
Garden and let us assist you in this part of your estate planning.
Free Neighborhood Family Meal: Next meal
is on Monday, December 16, 5:30-7 PM. Help provide and serve food and enjoy
fellowship with families, teens, seniors and people in need of a nutritious,
hot meal at Normal Heights UMC, 4650 Mansfield St. Volunteers prepare and bring
a main dish, salad or dessert. Email Brenda Blake or call 619-297-4366 x125, to
sign up.
Prayers & Squares Prayer Quilt
Ministry meets twice a month. For our next meeting, see our 2013 schedule.
The 2013 Altar Flower Calendar has
openings for Sundays in December. Please help us fill those dates. Call Eleene
in the church office at 619-297-4366 to make your reservation. Each bouquet is
$50.
Christmas Cards for Prison Ministries. We
collect new, unused Christmas cards for prison ministries. Bring your cards to
the bin in Linder Hall marked "Prison Ministries."
Informational Gatherings for Pastor
Craig's Christian England & Scotland Pilgrimage, October 2014
Sunday, Dec. 15 | 12:15-1:15 PM | The
Cove
The 2014 Upper Room Disciplines are now
for sale in the church office.
They are $15.
SAVE THE DATES:
Baptism for Infants and young children
will take place on Sunday, January 12, 2014, at 8, 9:30 and 11 AM services. If
you are interested in having a child baptized call Demmie in the church office
at 619-297-4366, ext. 108, or email her at ddivine@fumcsd.org.
A wide variety of Christmas gifts,
decorations, cards and dishes are now available to various prices. Additional items
are being added every day.
Mission Outreach Thrift Store |3186 Adams
Ave. | Open Monday to Saturday 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Proceeds from the Thrift Store support
several local missions and the United Methodist Women. Last year we raised
$35,000 for local missions.
In Our Prayers
We invite you to join us as we keep these
individuals and families in our prayers this week.
IN MEMORIAM
Nancy Prince passed away on November 5.
She was received into membership in 2007 by Rev. Molly Vetter and is survived
by her son Bill Prince and his wife, Nyla Marson. No services are planned.
Ellen Berlin passed away on November 8.
She was received into membership in 1983 by Rev. Mark Trotter and is survived
by her daughters, Joyce Joseph and Judith Head, three grandchildren and one
great-grandchild. A private service was held.
Don Fortin passed away Tuesday, November
19. He is survived by his wife, Judy, and three children: Amy, Joe and Liz, and
five grandchildren. He was received into membership in 1966 by Rev. Hilka
Green. Services are pending.
Harriett Loros passed away on November
14. She was received into membership in 1952 by Dr. McKee and is survived by
her sister, Gladyce Hiscock. Services are pending.
William Sheehan passed away on November
10. He was received into membership in 2010 by Rev. Jim Standiford and is
survived by his wife, Carol, and children, Jonathan, Jennifer, Brian, and Craig.
Services are pending.
Anthony Starr passed away on March 29 in
Gulfport, Mississippi. He was received into membership in 2005 by Rev. Jim
Standiford.
Lee Albert passed away on October 21. He
was received into membership in 2006 by Rev. Jim Standiford and is survived by
his sister, Elaine. A memorial service was held in our sanctuary on Sunday,
November 10, at 12:30 p.m.
Hospitalized (as of 11/19/13): none
Our sympathy is with Tom Large on the
death of his brother, Charles Large, on November 2 in Stoughton, Massachusetts.
Services were held November 12 in Stoughton.
Congratulations to Mark and Brooke Myers
on the birth of a baby girl, Grace Evelyn, born on October 29. Proud big
brothers are Peter and Jacob. Proud grandparents are Tom and Eleene Myers.
Members of our congregation in the
military who are deployed and their families:
Sam Adams
Adam Beauregard
Jeffrey Njuyen
Doug Samples
Collin Sullivan
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First United Methodist Church of San
Diego
2111 Camino del Rio South
San Diego, CA 92108 United States
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